Archive for June 23rd, 2008

I was extended an invitation to a function held by my ex-employer today. I know, it sounds strange but the details are of minimal importance, if of any at all. I didn’t know if I should go. I finally decided that it would be first, a good opportunity to say goodbye to some folks that might be there (that I never got around to doing) and second, a chance to: “Network.” I am beginning to loathe that word. Still, the people there know me so even if I sounded like a blithering idiot (not an uncommon experience) it would probably be alright?

Confession? When I woke up this morning, I cried. Who would I see? All the lovely and beautiful people that I met over my years there. I was right fucked. I had a feeling I would cry. I mean, all of the “Networking” was going to bad enough but…the people that I had so much fun with, I had grown to love. It sounds funny. Do you love the people you work with? Well, maybe on some level you do.

Guess what? It was a two-Valium/Diazepam day. No doubt.

I made it though. It wasn’t a long function. And the room cleared fairly quickly. PA worked the room as quickly as she could. There was alcohol (and non-alcoholic beverages) but she needed her hands free to shake others’ hands and reach for her cards. And yes, arms free too for lots of huggies and kissies for wee, PA.

I told you. The place was and is great. Now you may understand my tears from this morning? If I may say so, PA was pretty well respected. In fact, another peer (a lovely, lovely woman–who volunteered to toss contacts her way whenever she could!) asked her/suggested…rather emotional day? I admitted that, yes, I did cry in the morning.

So, who knows? I mean, one guy–after it all went down and I told him–he’s my age, a manager, offered to be a personal reference! Right off the bat. PA gobsmacked. I gave him my card tonight when I saw him again. Another guy I saw tonight said he’s going on vacation but when he gets back, we’ll go for lunch and speak further.

The woman who I told that I cried? She is very well connected. Auto-Network-Connect. I didn’t even have to ask. Ditto another “Super Woman” in the Marketing Department.

Some? Fuck, me. Again, they know me but did I stretch too far? I have legitimate relationships with “the Big Guns” so I went after them too. Good grief. Well, why the hell not? What have I got to lose? I’ve lost it all already, right?